"The close similarities and the indiscernible differences in drum beat, the 'melodic line' and the piano figures, make Eminem Esque strikingly similar to Lose Yourself," Justice Helen Cull wrote in her final judgement.

The court found Eight Mile Style was entitled to damages of $NZ 600,000 ($535,000), with interest, from June 28, 2014.

The court said the publisher had exclusive control over the song, and rarely granted permission for the song to be used in advertising.

However the party was not ordered to pay further damages because the court found it had not been reckless as it sought professional, commercial and media advice.

The University of Auckland's Dr Zemke referred to the "doodlings" of the piano in both songs, saying they were most likely altered intentionally, "enough for the work to not copy anything that would qualify as 'melodic'".

Justice Cull also took her own musical taste into account.

"The ear tells you Eminem Esque sounds the same and the listener is left thinking one has come from the other," she said.

Eminem has achieved notoriety for his controversial lyrics and unapologetic style.

Earlier this month, he launched an expletive-laden attack on US President Donald Trump during a four-minute freestyle rap unveiled at the BET Hip Hop awards.